Business Spotlight: Willow Tree Primitive Shop

By Lorraine Glowczak

The door was slightly ajar as if to welcome my presence. As I entered Willow Tree Primitive Shop, a new home décor gift shop that provides multiple selections of early period decorating furnishings, keepsakes and relics at 6 Sabbady Point Road in Windham, I was greeted with a kind smile by co-owner, Carrie Perry.

Perry introduced me to all four rooms that make up the cozy store of collections, each decorated with primitive objects. “This is my mom’s favorite room,” Carrie said about her mother and business partner, Debbe Webb. “She calls it the old room.”

As you enter her “mom’s room”, which is filled with items such as pewter and early period kitchen and serving utensils, old world prints and primitive upholstered furniture, one is taken back in time with a sense they have finally arrived home. “We are often told by our customers that our shop feels warm and inviting.”

Perry and Webb, purchased Willow Tree Primitives in November of 2018, which was a gift shop originally established in Lewiston. After the purchase, the new owners moved the business to Windham, where Perry resides. They officially opened their doors on December 6, 2018. Webb and Perry are in the process of changing the name slightly to Willow Tree Primitive Shop.

The road to primitive home décor collections comes from a passion to discover personal home adornment preferences. “For the longest time, I was trying to find my own way in personal home decoration,” explained Webb. “I decorated in French Country, but decided that did not suit me. I enjoyed Home Interior for a while until I came across the Country Peddler in the mid-1990s and I discovered I enjoyed decorating my home in the rustic style, it was more of a fit for me” she laughed.

Country Peddler is a popular online presence that offers primitive home accessories from candles and clocks to furniture and linens. For more clarification, the website, thespruce.com, describes primitive décor as:

Owners, Carrie Perry and Debbe Webb

*Being the first or earliest of its kind

*Crude, simple, or unrefined (or as Webb and Perry prefer to describe as “functional and homey”)

*From an early period of history

*Made by a primitive artist

“A primitive piece of furniture or décor is handmade. Secondly, a person without formal training or craftsmanship made it. Third, most often, a primitive item is utilitarian: furniture, dishware, tools, and cooking items are all considered primitive. And lastly, a primitive item is old—generally, old enough to qualify as an antique. It’s the combination of age, lack of pretense, and practical purpose that gives a primitive item, whether furniture or some other household good, its well-worn, simple appearance, NOT intentional design.”

You will find many locally Maine made and handmade items at Willow Tree Primitive Shop. “We have local artists from Maine who supply our shop with many gifts and decorations such as signage, candles, artwork/prints, and dolls,” stated Perry. Also available, are Willow Tree figurines and locally produced raw honey, soaps and lip balm.

Although only open for the past three months, they are honored by the many customers who enjoy having this primitive gift shop in the area. “We felt so welcomed from the minute we entered. They have a great variety of things. Great to have a nice shop in the area if you need a nice gift,” stated a recent customer, Donna Harrington.

“The only one thing that might be a challenge for us, is the confusion of our location,” Perry said. “People see our sign on Tandberg Trail, next to the Little Log Cabin Montessori School, located at 120 Tandberg Trail. People drive into the parking lot of the Montessori school, and soon realize they need to drive down Sabbady Point Road to our parking lot. It’s a bit confusing and we understand that. I’d like to make it clear that we are behind the school, but one must enter on to Sabbady Point Road.”

Webb added, “We are on the country road off Tandberg Trail….the road to a primitive experience.”

Be sure to visit Willow Tree Primitive Shop at their three-day open house on Thursday through Saturday, April 4, 5, and 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to follow their Facebook page for the latest announcements. For more information, contact Perry or Webb at (207) 572-4100.

Business Spotlight: House to Home by Chick Lumber

By Lorraine Glowczak

Renovating your home is an exciting adventure. But without expert guidance, it can also be an
overwhelming project that comes with many sleepless nights and a lot of anxiety. Whether you are updating your kitchen, bathroom, roof or simply repainting the exterior of your house, there are so many options available. It’s difficult to know where to begin to make the perfect choice for what you envision. That’s where the friendly experts of House to Home by Chick Lumber at 625 Roosevelt Trail in Windham come in and save the day.

“A lot of places, such as the big box stores, do not offer the personalized services we provide,” stated professional designer, Marion Shea. “But, here at House to Home, we help people every step of the way – from start to finish. We make it our goal that when you walk into our showroom, we greet you immediately and provide the warmth and attention you deserve – it’s like walking into your own home.”

Chick Lumber was originally established in New Hampshire in 1870 with the present outdoor lumber yard located at 209 Hobs Street in Conway. Moving forward 143 years, the present Chick Lumber company was purchased by Sal and Jackie Massa in 2013, creating the House to Home showroom as an addition to their list of services. The North Conway showroom location is at 1618 White Mountain Highway.

“Our highly qualified team of experts specializes in providing focused attention to our customers,” stated Jackie. “Our business has grown a lot in the past six years and, as a result, we saw the need to expand into Maine.”

Mike Harmon, the local Sales Manager who had a big hand in opening the Windham location, explained further. “We have been growing and expanding into Maine for the last couple of years,” he began. “We have had so many requests from and work with contractors from Bethel to York that we determined it would be good to accommodate the needs of the area and it’s for this reason we have opened the additional location right here in Windham.”

Their fast-growing success not only stems from the friendly hands-on service they provide but everyone who is part of the Chick Lumber team are experts in home renovation, including the owners. “Sal grew up in the field,” explained Jackie. “His family owned a flooring company in Massachusetts, and he worked at the family store at a very young age. Sal was hired by Chick Lumber in 1998. He started working in the flooring department and worked his way up to contractor sales, becoming the Vice President of the company in 2009.”

Jackie Massa has a degree in Residential Design. Whether it is new construction or a remodel, Jackie will be with you every step of the way putting the homeowner at ease. Jackie makes sure that the process of making your house into a home is as stress free as possible. What sets Jackie apart is her ability to take into consideration what her customers want while incorporating style, quality, function, and infusion of the space with warmth and most importantly, a sense of home. Jackie has always had a natural talent for colors, but she wanted to take it one step further by becoming a Certified Color Expert. With this additional certificate under her belt, she now offers  home color consultations using Benjamin Moore’s enticing colors.

As for the rest of her staff, Jackie stated she has a lot of confidence and trusts their expert abilities.

In addition to the Massa’s, Shea and Harmon, the other team members and specialists you will find in the Windham House to Home Showroom includes: Kat Milvo, professional designer; Stephen Roberge; paint specialists, and Ryan Gleason, millwork and outside sales.

At House to Home by Chick Lumber, the one stop shopping services provided include the following: Kitchens/bath, flooring, window treatments, lighting/fans, windows, doors, siding, roofing, Benjamin Moore Paints and decorative hardware and more.

As their website states, “Our House to Home showroom offers you a look at the latest in kitchen cabinets, vanities, countertops, decking, railing, roofing, hardwood, tile and carpeting options… among everything else that goes into making your house a home.”

Be sure to attend their open house on May 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a BBQ, prizes and giveaways. And, perhaps more importantly, to meet the expert House to Home team that will be happy to serve you. For more information, contact the team at 207-464-6988 or at their website: www.housetohomebychicklumber.com/

Business Spotlight: Dr. John Herzog of Orthopedic Specialists, LLC

By Lorraine Glowczak

Many people who experience pain in their hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, and feet will frequently end up with surgery. Most people do not realize; however, they have alternative treatment available to them now in the exciting world of stem cell regeneration. Dr John Herzog, a Raymond resident just may have the answer for you.

Dr. Herzog’ is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with 40 years’ experience. He’s performed over 10,000 surgeries - everything from replacing knees hips and shoulders to reconstructing trauma victims. For the past 10 years he has focused exclusively on regenerating torn and degenerating tissues and joints with advanced stem cell procedures.

Herzog’ says the basic problem is that when joints start to degenerate, or rotator cuff begins to tear is that there is poor or no blood supply to the area that’s damaged. The beauty of using own body, is that it produces its own custom compounding pharmacy, otherwise known as your own stem cells. This process is much like robbing Peter to pay Paul by generating new blood supply.

For example, in plantar fasciitis or tennis elbow the blood supply is very poor in this region of your body and cannot get the nutrients, oxygen or stem cells that it takes to repair it. What the doctor does is essentially taking stem cells from your blood, your bone marrow, or your fat and - with a centrifuge process that purifies the blood supply, separately stem cells and platelets. Once it is purified and separated, it is injected into the area where the pain persists. This regrows the blood vessels and creates a new irrigation system to repair tissue naturally. Aging and disease are a result of poor blood supply. 

Dr. Herzog is a third-generation osteopathic physician which he states with great pride. “As an osteopath, you are a holistic doctor,” he stated. “We know how to use a knife, medicines, and our hands to improve their patients’ lives.” Utilizing osteopathic manipulation is also an important part of Dr. Herzog’s successful formula. 

In fact, Windham Chiropractor, Dr Roy Moore received a PRP treatments from Dr. Herzog and had a few years and had a positive and fast healing experience. “I was experiencing pain in my right elbow and I was trying to treat it for about six months without success,” Moore explained. “I went to Dr. Herzog who performed PRP on my elbow. It took about two to three weeks before it was completely back to normal, but I have not had any pain since that treatment a couple of years ago. I would call it a 100% success and I would highly recommend exploring these alternatives if one is feeling pain and may considering surgery.”

The future of medicine is utilizing your own body’s custom compounding pharmacy that is your stem cells and Dr. Herzog promises to remain on the cutting edge of stem cell treatment and utilizes the technology of your own body. He claims he plans on being an active osteopath well into my 70s possibly my 80s Dr. Herzog states with the help from my stem cells. “Who knows,” he said with a smile, “There’s a guy in Tennessee that’s in his 90s and he still does brain surgery.”

If you are experiencing pain and want to learn more this cutting-edge medical alternative, contact Dr. Herzog at 207-781-9077 or peruse his website at www.orthocareme.com. Most insurance policies are accepted.

Business Spotlight: SilverSneakers at Saint Joseph’s College

By Lorraine Glowczak

“This is a hidden gem,” I said to Jenna Chase, Associate Director of Health and Wellness Programming at Saint Joseph’s College as she gave me a tour of the state-of-the-art fitness facility in Alfond Center. Not able to resist playing off my slightly southern dialect, she responded, “Did you say this was a hidden gym?”

We both laughed but the truth is, there is a lot of unknown opportunities for fitness, growth, and lifelong learning at Saint Joseph’s College available to all residents of the Lakes Region communities, young and old alike. Many people in the area are unaware of the multifaceted options available at Saint Joseph’s that are accessible at a very low rate or at no cost at all.

Of the many programs offered, SilverSneakers, a nationwide exercise program for older adults, has recently been added into the fitness selections at Saint Joseph’s. “Silver Sneakers is a fitness program for seniors that’s included with many Medicare Advantage plans,” said Chase who is a certified SilverSneakers instructor. “Membership incorporates access to every participating gym and fitness center in the network. To check eligibility, an individual can simply go to the website at www.tools.silversneakers.com/Eligibility/HealthPlans or by contacting their plan directly.”

SilverSneakers is now available at Saint Joseph's College
photo by Evan Loignon

If eligible, SilverSneakers classes are free. If not, the cost per class is only $7. Chase explained that if you go online and discover your insurance plan denies eligibility, to not stop there. “We recently had a participant who called her insurance company after being denied online. And although her plan was not a participating member of SilverSneakers, they gave her a $100 voucher to join the classes as part of their own health and wellness initiative.”

The purpose of featuring SilverSneakers is multifold. “We empower older adults to live their best lives with vitality, dignity and purpose,” said Chase. “Our goal is to enable healthy aging – both in place and within the community.”

Additionally, SilverSneakers is part of a new initiative at the college. Peter Nielsen, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Saint Joseph’s, explained that the college is developing several programs designed to support older adults as the college establishes the Institute for Integrative Aging, a center for research, education, and community-centered care for older adults. Integrative aging—a term coined by Saint Joseph’s College President Jim Dlugos—seeks to advance the concepts of integrative medicine and healthcare to develop an understanding and approach to aging which recognizes the multi-dimensional aspects of aging.

Chase stated that SilverSneakers has a variety of classes to meet the needs of all participating members. “We are currently offering three signature class formats that include strength and cardio classes to improve overall fitness,” Chase began. “We accommodate and make modifications to assure that everyone is comfortable.”'

SilverSneakers participant, Kimberly Cross concurred with Chase. "I have arthritis in my shoulder, and finally I have exercises I can do,” she said.

But just as important as the physical aspect of health and wellness, social connections and having fun, play a large role in SilverSneakers as well. “If you don’t like walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes, don’t do it,” Chase said. “Find something that makes you forget that you are working out.”

That’s what makes SilverSneakers so unique. Participants forget they are working out because they are having so much fun. "It is so much better than just using equipment in a gym full of strangers. An engaged group following an enthusiastic leader is so much more encouraging," stated another SilverSneakers participant, Kathie Bickford.

Another reason why SilverSneakers is so much fun is the music that is chosen by the participants. “After feedback, I’ve included music that the participants have requested and enjoy working out to,” said Chase, who is a 2011 Saint Joseph graduate with a degree in Exercise Science. “We dance and do exercises to music selections from Jimmy Buffet, Frank Sinatra and Beatles to name just a few. We even have had a request for music by Dianna Ross and I have included her music in the exercise program, too.”

When asked if Chase knew Diana Ross, she responded, “I think I may have heard of her” and thus, multigenerational and integrative learning at its best.

If you are interested in learning more about SilverSneakers, join in on the Launch Week for free to experience the classes for yourself. Join in all or one of the following sessions: Tuesday, March 12, Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15. All classes begin at 11 a.m. and will include a tour of the fitness facility, healthy snacks and beverages, as well as a tour of the café on campus.

Whether it’s exercise, fun, food or social activities you are looking for, you will find it at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, 278 Whites Bridge Road in Standish. You will definitely find the hidden indoor “gym” (aka, indoor track) located on the second floor that is available for all Lakes Region residents for free. And perhaps you’ll discover a hidden gem that will meet all your needs, right here in your own backyard.

For more information about SilverSneakers or to schedule a tour of the fitness facility, call Chase at (207) 893-6627 or go online at www.silversneakers.com

Business Spotlight on Maine Insurance Benefits Group

By Gayle Plummer

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were someone locally to help you with your insurance? To answer your questions? To help you get the right plan? To help you save money? And wouldn’t it be wonderful if that help was free? Well, it turns out there is a place to go for all that free help with the varied insurance products available - and it is Maine Insurance Benefits Group located right in Windham. Rand Clark, President of Maine Insurance Benefits Group (MIBG) is genuinely committed to helping people navigate and enjoy the world of insurance, as are all MIBG brokers. They simplify the how-to-process and navigate people through it all…showing folks how to choose the perfect insurance, custom-fit for their personal lifestyle in a manner they can afford.

Brokers are different from typical insurance agents in this way: MIBG Brokers can offer insurance plans from all available sources. They can select from Harvard Pilgrim, Anthem, Martins Point, WellCare, Mutual of Omaha, United Healthcare or Delta Dental and many others. While agents typically have one product to offer from the company they represent, MIBG Brokers can custom-fit your insurances to your needs and your wallet. They do not sell a one-size-fits-all type of product.

Clark shared, “It does not cost the client anything to use a broker because the insurance company pays the brokers, not you. Our clients get a tailor-made match rather than a random choice, which is much more of a perfect fit than they might end up with if they used an agent offering only one product. People will often sign up online, which is not a good plan because most folks don’t have enough information to make an informed choice. For example: if you were to choose a company online for your insurance needs and you are a person/family that travels, but the company you selected doesn’t cover certain travel situations or criteria – you could pay for coverage with a gap. 

Typically the public is just not aware of the different options and offers that are available and plans change each year. Often folks end up with and pay for the wrong coverage for their needs. They are missing out on the perfect fit that makes the insurance process not be a painful one, but in fact, become a peaceful one. MIBG Brokers are helpful in considering who your doctor is, which medications you use, and your travel/lifestyle to fit the policy best suited to your needs. Our advice: Don’t fly solo, let us help you. We stay updated on the changes in the market in Maine.”

Clark goes on to say, “Our brokers offer much more than insurance options and education. We want to be there in a real personal aspect: answering your questions, listening to your needs, helping you choose products that work for your situations; and offer free yearly reviews of your changing lifestyles and modify your insurance coverage. We want to be your Broker! We want to be your Broker for life. We are there through all your life phases and stages. We are there before claims, during claims and after claims are settled. We guide the young couple just starting out, on how to gently begin the process by selecting products they can afford at the beginning of their lives – perhaps renters insurance. We are there to modify the plan as they grow into a family, to adjust to their needs as the children arrive and houses are purchased; coverage then will be needed for family, home and all vehicles – even snowmobiles and ATV’s.  We are also there to help plan for Medicare choices, retirement, college funds, annuities and supplemental incomes to fit all life situations: medical, loss of life, accidents. Life changes for us all and so do the insurance needs.”

Clark and all the Brokers at MIBG take personal pleasure in helping folks who are on fixed incomes. Often they can save these people money on their coverages. Many clients have called to thank the Brokers and tell them that they can now afford their prescriptions, or maybe the extra savings allows them to go out to lunch and enjoy life a little more. They are also affiliated with the Senior Planning Center and enjoy helping folks with more than insurance. They are pro-active in: getting people fuel assistance, welfare, MaineCare or anything to help people live a little better lifestyle. “Helping people makes us happy,” Clark said. “We care about more than the insurance coverage aspect - we care about the whole person.”

One of the many goals at MIBG is to recruit more brokers. They will provide one-on-one training for people in all age groups, no experience required. Clark stated, “We are here to help support a broker who wants to build his own, independent business. We hire brokers throughout the state of Maine.”

Stop by for a visit at 677 Roosevelt Trail, or call the office at 207-894-7710. You can also reach Rand Clark on his cellphone at 207-632-2756 or email him at randclark@mibgbrokers.com. Be sure to visit their website at www.MaineInsuranceBenefitsGroup.com